£6 Million Contract Planned for Barrow Market Demolition
A contract worth more than £6 million is set to be awarded as part of plans affecting Barrow Market and the Forum theatre.
Westmorland and Furness Council is preparing to appoint a contractor to carry out demolition work on the buildings. Which is seen as a key step in wider regeneration plans for the town centre.
Demolition Contract Costs and Next Steps
The proposed demolition contract for Barrow Market and the Forum building will be carried out in two stages, beginning with a design phase before the main demolition work begins.
Stage One – Design Phase
The first stage focuses on planning and preparing the demolition work. This includes detailed design, surveys and safety planning to ensure the project can proceed safely.
The design phase is expected to cost £92,249.62 including VAT.
Stage Two – Demolition Work
Once the design stage is complete, the contractor would move on to the main demolition work.
The demolition stage is currently estimated to cost £6,584,554.20. Although the final figure may change depending on the findings during the design phase.
Because demolition projects can uncover unexpected issues, the council has recommended including a 20% risk allowance to cover potential additional work.
Overall Project Cost
Taking both stages together, the total value of the contract is estimated at £6,676,803.83 including VAT.
Council cabinet members have been asked to approve awarding the two-stage design and demolition contract to a preferred contractor. Allowing the project to move forward as part of the wider regeneration plans for Barrow town centre.
Part of a Major Town Centre Regeneration Plan
The demolition proposal forms part of the wider “Heart of Barrow” regeneration programme. This aims to transform the town centre with new investment and redevelopment.
The project is being delivered through the Team Barrow partnership, involving the council, central government and industry partners.
The long term vision includes potential new cultural spaces, housing, leisure facilities and improved town centre infrastructure.
Demolition Contract Worth Around £6 Million
The council is expected to award a contract worth over £6 million for demolition and site clearance of the market hall and the Forum building.
The work is intended to prepare the site for future development as part of the regeneration programme.
Council leaders say clearing the site will help remove ageing structures and allow new projects to move forward.
Concerns and Debate Over the Plans
The proposed demolition has not been without controversy.
The Forum theatre has been an important cultural venue in Barrow, and some residents and campaign groups have expressed concern about losing the building.
A protest was recently held calling for alternatives to demolition to be considered.
However, council officials say the buildings are no longer fit for purpose and pose operational and financial challenges.
Next Steps for the Project
Before the demolition work begins, council leaders will need to approve the contract and the wider business case for the first phase of the regeneration programme.
The initial phase of the “Heart of Barrow” project is expected to include:
- demolition and site clearance
- land preparation for redevelopment
- temporary uses for the town centre site
- cultural activities and events while future plans are developed.
A Key Step in Barrow’s Transformation
Supporters of the project say the redevelopment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Barrow town centre.
If approved, the demolition contract would mark the first major step toward delivering new investment and long-term regeneration in the area.
